Things To Do In Lanai Hawaii

Hawaiian Island Cheat Sheets

Lanai Island Day Trip | How to get to Lanai Island from Maui

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See The Poaiwa Petroglyphs

Attention history lovers, this ones for you!

These petroglyphs on the islands northeast coast are believed to date back to the 15th century. Theyre known locally as the Bird Man of Lanai, due to the frequent depiction of a bird-headed stick figure.

The primitive rock carvings illustrate various scenes of Hawaiian culture such as surfing, hunting and fishing.

To check out these cool ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, take a four-wheel drive to Shipwreck Beach. Then follow the seaside trail next to the beach.

Youll eventually drop down into a small valley called Poaiwa, where the protected petroglyph site lies. The whole trail is short, only about a ½ mile.

Pet A Kitty At The Lanai Cat Sanctuary

Oh, this is a feel-good Lanai activity!

Started by spirited cat lovers, the non-profit Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a top-notch cat haven that has taken in more that 600 cats in the last few years.

It also helps the Lanai eco-system by rescuing cats from protected areas where endangered ground-nesting birds live.

So rent a jeep or car, and go play with the kitties!

The sanctuary survives on donations, so while theres no admission fee, you might want to donate a little something to help support their efforts.

And if you end up falling in love with one of the cute fur balls and adopting him or her to take home dont say we didnt warn you!

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Check Out The Legendary Puu Pehe

A beautiful 80-foot high Puupehe looms majestically above the southern shoreline between Manele and Hulopoe Bays.

Puu Pehe is a beautiful natural feature, but it also has a rich cultural history.

A young Hawaiian warrior named Makakehau and a Hawaiian damsel named Pehe from Lahaina have fallen in love.

Her beauty had such an effect on him that he would cry every time he saw her. Hence, Maka Kehau was born.

On Lanai, he brought her back to the island of Manele and concealed her in a sea cave.

When he returned from getting supplies one day to see Pehe drowned in the storm surge, he was devastated.

Feeling bereaved, Makakehau took hold of his lover and held her close to his heart.

It took him a long time to get there, but in the end, he made it there by calling out to the gods and the spirits of his ancestors.

He dove from the summit’s 80-foot drop to escape the roaring waves below.

From the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, you may take a short walk southeast via Hulopoe Beach and the rocky tidal pools to come to Puupehe.

After around 15-20 minutes of hiking, you’ll see this Lanai landmark from the jagged cliffs.

Hulopoe Bay’s breathtaking vistas make sunsets here particularly lovely.

These waters are known for their abundance of spinner dolphins, which may be spotted standing atop this magnificent overlook.

Places To Go In Lanai City

Welcome, traveler, to Lanai City. Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. Now that youve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin pastor you can embrace this new place youve come to. Learn its streets. Meet its people. Learn its history. Your hand is already on the doorknob, isnt it?

Things to Do in Lanai City

Youll not be wanting for things to do in Lanai City. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiquesor that next delicious meal. What tickles your fancy? A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant youve been hearing about? Or perhaps youd rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. Take in a show at the theatre, or just walk along down the main thoroughfare, watching people wander past.

Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in Lanai City? Let the possibilities wash over you as you explore this new region. Move out on foot and get to know the area on a more personal level. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery.

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Volunteer Or Visit The Cat Sanctuary

This cat haven is a surprising sight on Lanai. Started by passionate volunteers this incredible cat sanctuary is home to hundreds of cats! It rescues cats from protected areas where native and endangered ground-nesting birds such as the âUaâu, the Hawaiian Petrel.

In order to visit Lanais Cat Sanctuary, youâll need to make an appointment. Visiting is important though because the nonprofit gets a majority of its funding through visitors to the island. The Cat Sanctuary is a tourist attraction on the island of Lanai that shouldnât be missed!

Book a room at Four Seasons Resort Lanai here

Where To Stay On Lanai Island

If you choose to stay on the island because of its size and being only partially owned by the state of Hawaii, there are only three main options, one of the two traditional hotels and the larger chain resort.

  • Four Seasons Resort Lanai: Located right on Hulopoe Bay, this hotel is the epitome of lavishness. There are multiple types of cuisine available at the resorts restaurants and its only a few short steps from the beach. If waterfront views are what youre looking for, this Four Seasons Resort will provide everything you need.
  • Hotel Lanai: With only a few rooms available , Hotel Lanai is the best place to feel like you have the entire island to yourself. Located in the midst of Lanai City, Hotel Lanai brings modern luxury and rustic charm seamlessly together for an experience that encapsulates the island culture.
  • Sensei Lanai: If youre staying on Lanai to reset and relax, this spa and wellness centered hotel is ideal. Youll feel extremely refreshed and serene after a stay at Sensei Lanai.

The Four Seasons is the main accommodations spot, but it’s also garnered a reputation as one of the most luxurious places to stay in all of Hawaii. Lanai’s private and lavish atmosphere is exemplified to perfection at each and every hotel available.

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The Garden Of The Gods

When you first hear the name “Garden of the Gods,” you may think of a colorful garden abounding with flowers and plant life, but Lanai’s Keahiakawelo or Garden of the Gods is something you will just have to see to believe. If you’ve ever wanted to walk upon the rugged landscapes of the moon, Lanai’s Keahiakawelo might just be the perfect place for you to go. With its unbelievable rock formations, Keahiakawelo is another worldly garden where you can get a glimpse of nature’s creativity and beauty.

Drive To Lopa Beach For Kayaking

â?¤ï¸?ð?? LANAI! Things to Do on the Hawaiian Island! TRAVEL VLOG

Another great way to see turtles is on a kayak! I hired a local guide to take us kayaking at Lopa Beach. We bumped up and down on the sandy âroadâ out to Lopa beach stopping at a few cool old sites that were being restored. It was a very windy day as I would get glimpses of the water occasionally and see big white caps â making me slightly nervous about kayaking.

After an hour we finally arrived at the deserted beach and were greeted with crashing waves and wind â definitely not calm kayaking weather! Plus â it was high tide and that made kayaking even more challenging for a couple of beginners who just wanted to see the turtles. Due to the weather, we ended up not kayaking that day but it certainly is possible to do so on calmer days!

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Munro Trail And Mount Lanaihale

Just ten minutes north of Lanai City is one of the famous wonders of Lanai that you definitely have to experience: Munro Trail. Although experienced hikers can tackle Munro Trail in about half or three-fourths of a day, it would be wise to hire a tour guide who can tell you all about the breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and amazing island culture. Named after a New Zealand naturalist named George Munro, this trail offers one of the most convenient, amazing, and adventurous ways to experience the whole of Lanai Island. Just under ten miles long, Munro Trail starts north of Lanai City, about 100 feet above the city.

Along your hike or four-wheel adventure on Munro Trail, you will wind around the island seeing some of the best views that Hawaii has to offer. Part of the trail is the uphill trek to the highest point of Lanai Island, which is the peak of Mount Lanaihale at about 3,370 feet above sea level. From this summit, you can see other Hawaiian main islands, including Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and The Big Island. You’ll also get to see the white sand beaches, the fresh pine trees, the canyons of Maunalei gulch. Whether you decide to take a tour guide or not, make sure you come prepared for Munro Trail, because it does have some challenging areas. Grab your jackets, your cameras, some drinks and food for a great trip along Munro Trail.

The Spa At Manele Bay

Staying at Four Seasons Manele Bay is a real treat and one of the most romantic destinations on earth. Booking a spa here was one of our favourite things to do in Lanai. A couples massage on the beach in a cabana is the most decadent thing you can do. Enjoy the warm breeze of the Pacific Ocean as you listen to the waves crash against the shore. And then spend the afternoon relaxing by the

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Ride A Horse At Stables At Koele

Horseback riding on the Pineapple Isle is a dream come true because of the island’s vast open spaces and stunning surroundings.

Ride a horse amid the swaying ironwoods and crimson hills of Lanai’s countryside.

These outings, suitable for people of all ability levels, frequently take participants past deer and birds rustling in lush valleys.

Passing through the island’s famous Cook pines was a delight.

Each one spins 200 gallons of water per day using the highland fog.

As expected from the Four Seasons Lanai Lodge at Koele, this equestrian program has top-notch guides, equipment, and horses.

If you’re not quite ready for the leisurely 90-minute romp designed for new riders, inquire about classes offered by the shop.

Can You Stay On The Island Of Lanai

Lanai is a luxury vacation destination and the accommodation options are really limited.

You can stay on the island of Lanai at one of the 2 luxury resorts or 1 standard hotel.

The cheapest hotel on Lanai costs like $400 a night.

And then there are maybe a couple of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and airbnbs, which would cost likely at minimum $200 a night.

There are 3 hotels where you can stay on the island of Lanai:

So having these accommodation options really limits the amount of people who stay on Lanai as a tourist.

And this can make it a different kind of Hawaiian island experience compared to the other main Hawaiian islands of Maui, Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai.

Its always quiet on Lanai

Actual quote from a Lanai resident!

But the limited accommodation options doesnt mean you have to miss out on a visit to this quiet Hawaiian island just because you wont be staying overnight on Lanai!

If you cant see the Lanai video above, then you can watch it on youtube.

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The Experience At Koele

For those who want a more immersive golfing experience, then The Experience at Koele may just be the perfect choice. This 18-hole course is at an elevation of about 2,000 feet, offering some nice views of the island, aside from the beauty of the course itself. Pine trees, ravines, channels, streams, lakes, and waterfalls are just some of the sites that you can see from this course, which was designed by Ted Robinson and Greg Norman.

Explore The Tide Pools At Hulopoe Bay

Grab your water shoes and head over to the east side of Hulopoe Beach, one of the best places to check out natures bite-sized aquariums.

Tide pools form when ocean water gets trapped in depressions along the shore as the tide recedes, leaving you with an up-close and personal encounter with some really interesting sea creatures.

In the tide pools of Hulopoe Bay, you can spot sea stars, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, spaghetti worms, shrimp and more all in their very own natural habitat.

Plan to explore at low tide. But remember to never turn your back to the ocean.

Its also forbidden to remove any animals or shells from the tide pools.

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Scuba Diving In Lanai

Stunning Lanai also has something to offer for water junkies who are keen to explore life beneath the waves. Head into the water, go snorkeling through lava tunnels, scuba diving under lava rock archways and get ready to marvel at the rich and colorful marine life.

You can find animals such as green turtles, yellow butterflyfish, eels, octopus, crabs, sometimes whitetip reef sharks, and other fascinating sea creatures.

Beginner snorkelers can start from Hulopoe Bay, while advanced ones should definitely try scuba diving at Lanai Cathedrals, Lanais most popular dive spots.

The latter is a real dream adventure for divers as it features two magnificent underwater sites, the First Cathedral and the Second Cathedral, which are light-filled caverns created from lava tubes.

This tour leaves from Lahaina on Maui and offers you a snorkeling trip to Lanai. You can see more details here.

How Do You Get To Lanai

Lanai Snorkelling From Maui with Trilogy

If youre on the mainland and want to get to Lanai, the journey is going to take a while. There are no direct flights from the mainland to Lanai. To get to Lanai, you have three options:

  • Fly: From Honolulu airport on Oahu or Kahului airport on Maui you can catch a short flight to Lanai. Airlines that fly to Lanai include Hawaiian Airlines, Lanai Air, and Southern Airways Express. If youre staying at Sensei Lanai by Four Seasons airfare is included in your reservation.
  • Ferry: From Lahaina, you can catch an Expeditions Lanai Ferry, which makes the 45-minute journey multiple times per day.
  • Sail: If youre looking for an all-inclusive for your trip to Lanai, sailing companies offer full-day trips to the island.

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Things To Do In Lanai

There is no doubt that the beaches and clear waters of Hawaii are the top draw to the islands and Lanai is no different, but there are a lot of attractions in Lanai that are unique to the island. A trip to Lanai involves the perfect mix of watersports, cultural experiences, and pampering that will make this a trip to remember. So lets get started!

Learn The History Of Puu Pehe

The most popular landmark on the island of Lanai is Puu Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock. With its turquoise waters and red-orange ocean cliffs, its an absolutely gorgeous scene.

But the most interesting part of Puu Pehe is the Hawaiian legend behind it. Once upon a time, a young warrior from Lanai popped on over to Maui. While on the neighboring island, he saw a beautiful princess, whom he captured and made his wife. But because this warrior was worried about other men getting jealous, he hid his newlywed wife in a sea cave. But, one day, during a particularly violent storm, the princess drowned. Due to his heartbreak, the warrior jumped off the cliff and to his death.

Its a short hike from Hulopoe Bay Beach Park to Sweetheart Rock, which we did at the end of our day on Lanai during our Hawaii cruise. If I had more time, it would definitely be a go-to sunrise spot on the island.

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How To Get To Lanai On A Day Trip

How far is it from Maui to Lanai? town of Lahaina

It is possible to fly to Lanai from Maui and this will be the most expensive option. There are direct flights leaving from Kahului, Mauis main airport to take 30 minutes and cost around $60.

The easiest and best way to get to Lanai is by taking the ferry to Manele Harbor that leaves out of the Lahaina Harbor. Due to COVID times and frequency is limited. The ferry to Lanai runs four times a day on Mondays, Tuesdays Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

6:45 AM 9:45 AM 1:00 PM 4:00 PM from Lahaina and 8:15 AM 11:15 AM 2:30 PM 5:30 PM from Lanai. You must show up an hour before to fill out proper paperwork before boarding the ferry.

It costs $30 one way for a ferry ride and the ferry leaves from the dock in front of Pioneer Inn which is the oldest hotel in Lahaina.

Sweetheart Rock Overlook Via The Puupehe Trail

Down by Hulopoe Beach is the Puupehe Trail that offers a scenic hike along the coastline, at the end of which you will catch a glimpse of iconic Sweetheart Rock, one of Lanais most picturesque natural landmarks.

This 20-minute hike allows you to take in the full majestic beauty of the ocean the entire way, offering the perfect spot for an early morning walk to admire the breathtaking sunrise, which makes it one of the most scenic hikes on Lanai.

Nestled between Hulopoe Bay and Manele Bay, this impressive rock formation rises impressively 80 feet out of the sea and has a tragic Hawaiian legend behind it.

According to the Lanai legend, Maka, a warrior from the island, fell in love with Pehe and hid her in a sea cave out of jealousy. One day a violent storm made her drown in a cave, and grief-stricken Maka, climbing to the top of the rock, buried her there and then jumped to his death.

This legend surely adds to the mysterious splendor of this towering red rock pinnacle. It is one of the top attractions in Lanai !

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